Weighing the Options

On the side bar, you'll see under "In the News" that one of the articles is titled "One Answer to Global Warming: A New Tax." This article discusses the merits and shortcomings of a possible carbon tax. Some noteworthy points that the article discusses are that A, while a carbon tax would by itself raise taxes for the typical American who drives a car, revenue raised from the tax could be used to reduce other taxes so that the total tax burden remains more or less the same. B, a carbon tax would force Americans to consider ways in which they can reduce the amount of fuel they use on a regular basis, thereby making permanent changes to their lifestyle.

The article also mentions cap-and-trade systems as an alternative to a carbon tax. Also known as emissions trading, a cap-and-trade system is one in which total carbon emissions are limited, or "capped," but companies may buy and sell emissions allowances to suit their needs (that's where the trade comes in). The video above addresses the distinctions between cap-and-trade and carbon taxes.

The video, along with the article, provides a multifaceted look at the government's and businesses' responses to global warming. While nothing has been set in stone yet, discussion is the first step towards progress.